Chris Blundell

learner | educator | researcher | designer

Chris Blundell is a PhD candidate and sessional academic in the Faculty of Education, QUT, Australia. He is also Academic Dean at Redlands College, a large P to 12 independent school recognised for innovation, leadership and educational excellence in digital learning.

Chris' current research interests are professional learning and the challenges of integrating digital technologies in teacher practice. He is involved in international capacity building with QUT, using his research and expertise as a school leader to provide insight into the opportunities and challenges of digital learning. Chris has published and presented his work at conferences, a doctoral exchange forum, professional associations and to visitors to Redlands College.

In his role as Academic Dean at Redlands College, Chris is responsible for leading curriculum, assessment and reporting. Over the last 25 years, he has investigated digital learning through practice. He has been integral to the strategic leadership, development and on-going implementation of the Redlands College digital learning program, including associated professional learning. For 20 years, Chris has also contributed to curriculum development and moderation processes for state and national authorities. He was a State Review Panel chair for 13 years, and was a collaborating author of all Earth Science syllabuses in Queensland since 1995.

Over his career, Chris has received numerous awards, including: Award for Academic Excellence in Educational Leadership from the Australian Council of Educational Leadership Queensland, Griffith Award for Academic Excellence from Griffith University, Excellence in Teaching Award from Rotary Club Cleveland, and a BHP Science Teacher’s Award.

Qualifications

Master of Education2006

Focus: leadership and ICT in learning

Griffith University

Graduate Certificate in Education2005

Focus: education studies and research methods

Griffith University

Diploma of Education &Bachelor of Education

1988-1991

Focus: secondary education (science)

QUT

Current Academic Engagement

PhD, QUT2013-present

Chris is in the final stages of a PhD with QUT. His research is a case study of teachers in a ubiquitous technology environment seeking to transform their pedagogy via collaborative, inquiry-based professional learning. This research conceptualises and identifies the influences on teacher practice when seeking to innovate with digital technologies for the purpose of realising digital learning.

Supporting Professional Learning

In support of professional learning, Chris has presented about leadership, curriculum and pedagogies to colleagues at a range of events. Recent examples include:

Apple Events

2013-2016

As part of the Distinguished Leaders Program, Chris presented to teachers and school leaders about how to conceptualise the role of routines, attitudes and beliefs in teacher integration of digital technology. With colleagues, Chris has hosted visitors from other schools interested in Redlands College iPad program.

Associated Christian Schools Events

2012, 2016

In 2016, Chris presented at the Developing Leaders Conference about reconfiguring routines and the challenge of innovation. In 2012, Chris presented a vision statement about the value of iPads in teaching, learning and assessment to over 2000 delegates at the E:quip Conference.

Australian College of Educators Conference

2015

At the 2015 National Conference, Chris presented about his Tri-Theory Framework for conceptualising the challenge of integrating digital technologies in pedagogy.

Middle Years of Schooling Association Conference

2013

Chris presented a pre-conference workshop about the small steps and big leaps involved in the integration of digital technologies using practical examples of transformed pedagogies and learning activities.